Benton Hot Springs: The Ultimate Mammoth Escape

Living in Mammoth Lakes means embracing whatever Mother Nature throws our way and knowing exactly how to make the most of it. Yesterday, with fresh snow blanketing the mountains, my girlfriend and I decided it was the perfect time to hook up the RV and head east for a much-needed reset. Our destination was Benton Hot Springs, one of the hidden gems just a short drive from Mammoth.

We arrived to blue skies, dramatic cloud formations, and that warm desert-meets-mountains vibe that makes the Eastern Sierra so special. This soon turned to snow, but we didn’t care. After a relaxing soak in one of the natural hot springs (the water here is incredibly pure and soothing), we wandered through the historic area, soaking up the peace and quiet. There is something incredibly grounding about trading snowy slopes for steaming mineral pools and wide-open vistas.

One of the highlights of the day was a short walk to the nearby Benton Cemetery (established 1868). Tucked into the high desert landscape with sweeping views of the mountains, this historic site is a fascinating glimpse into the rugged past of Mono County. We paid our respects at the resting places of two prominent figures tied to one of the area’s most legendary stories: George W. Hightower and Robert J. Morrison.

George Hightower served as sheriff and led a posse in pursuit of escaped convicts, while Robert Morrison, a Benton merchant and Wells Fargo agent, was killed in the dramatic 1871 shootout that gave Convict Lake its name. Their stories are at the heart of the upcoming full-length feature film Death in Convict Canyon, based on the true events of the West’s first train robbery, a massive prison break, and the canyon showdown that followed. It is wild to stand at their graves and imagine the history that unfolded right here in our backyard.

Days like this are exactly why we love calling Mammoth home. Whether you are soaking in a private hot spring tub, exploring old cemeteries and ghost-town remnants, RV camping under epic skies, or simply enjoying the ever-changing weather and landscapes, the Eastern Sierra offers endless ways to recharge. And when you are ready to make this lifestyle yours, whether it is a mountain condo, a cabin with views, or a property that gives you easy access to these adventures, I am here to help you find the perfect place.

If you are curious about the film, check out the Death in Convict Canyon Facebook page for updates on the project: https://www.facebook.com/Convict.Canyon/

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